Vulcan XH558 Gets Clearance For Take Off
31st August 2006
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST) is delighted to announce that after months of searching, funding has been found that will allow completion of the restoration of Avro Vulcan XH558. This means that the striking delta-wing aircraft, the enduring icon of the Cold War that dominates the history of the late 20th century, may now be able to take its place at the centre of the commemoration ceremony that will mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict in June next year.
The news that the project can be completed will not only excite the many thousands of Britons who have fond memories of the Vulcan, but will come as a great relief to the team of 30 engineers who have worked tirelessly for the past eighteen months to get the Vulcan back on its own three feet, only to be told earlier in August that if £1.2 million was not raised by the end of the month the project would have to be scrapped. Celebrations of the successful capture of the necessary funds will take place tomorrow at Bruntingthorpe Airfield in Leicester, when the formal announcement of the funding will be made, and XH558 will leave its hangar for the first time since the project began. The Vulcan's undercarriage was only refitted in the past week, and bringing the imposing aircraft back out into the daylight promises to be a momentous occasion, as Sir Michael Knight, Chairman of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, explains:
“The Vulcan to the Sky Trust would like to thank anyone who helped ensure that the Vulcan will fly again, with hundreds of thousands of pounds being donated or pledged That these pledges and donations are for the most part made up of thousands of individual amounts in the £10 to 100 range is testament to the strength of the public's desire to see the Vulcan fly again. That said, I am absolutely delighted to announce today that the project has just received a truly magnanimous donation of £500,000 The team at Bruntingthorpe – and, indeed, the British aviation community – are greatly in his debt.
That splendid news will, I hope, be an encouragement to all who are enthused by this inspiring project – and, indeed, to all of us on the VTST team – to continue our fund-raising efforts for some time yet, if XH558 is to be capable of accepting a pressing invitation to lead the flypast over London to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the South Atlantic conflict in June next year.
Looking forward, today's roll-out of Vulcan XH558 is cause for great celebration, especially for the small but dedicated team which has worked so hard to achieve it. It should also bring a deep sense of satisfaction to those thousands of loyal enthusiasts and friends who have supported this complex project over the years. I must say that to ensure continuing public appearances we will need to keep relying on the generosity of the public and commercial organisations, but we have passed a very significant milestone today. "
The Vulcan to the Sky campaign has also received the Royal approval, with the office of the Prince of Wales conveying Charles' warmest good wishes on meeting this hugely significant point in the project:
“His Royal Highness has fond recollections of his flight in Vulcan XL392 at RAF Waddington, and was thrilled to hear that XH558 is to be rolled out of its hangar.”
The Vulcan to the Sky project has previously benefited from the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund, for whom Emma Sale, Regional Manager for the East Midlands, reacted:
“We’re delighted to hear this excellent news. The Vulcan Bomber is a truly unique example of our outstanding aviation heritage.
"The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the Trust over £2.7million for their restoration work but we always require applicants to raise additional funding too. It’s great that all their hard work has now paid off and so many people will get to see this magnificent machine restored to its full glory.”
If the remaining funds are made available to the project, next season’s air displays around the country will greatly benefit, as the instantly recognisable sound of Spitfire and Hurricane and the impressive dignity of the Lancaster will be hugely complemented by the awesome sight of the Vulcan. XH558 will pay a moving tribute to the valour and foresight of planners, the talents of aircraft designers and engineers and the steadfast determination of a generation of airmen whose proud task it was to help prevent conflict and ensure that Europe remained at peace through the ultimately successful national and NATO strategy of deterrence.
